Before the summer started, there was a clear goal to strengthen the defence for several reasons, and AC Milan are pursuing two deals, albeit one is more advanced than the other.
Last season, Milan conceded 49 goals in Serie A – 27 more than Inter, and 18 more than 3rd-placed Juventus – and this an area that is needing to be targeted this summer. Of course, you can point the finger in multiple places when speaking about why the Rossoneri conceded that many, but there are two main arguments.
Firstly, a lack of depth, and secondly, a lack of quality. Both, unfortunately, can affect the other, and with the injury issues that tormented the Diavolo for so much of last season, a lack of quality back-ups harmed the season.
Therefore, when it was reported that two additions in defence were a minimum, it was understandable why, and Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) have given an update on the Rossoneri’s two top defensive priorities.
The closing stage
Since the start of July, Strahinja Pavlovic has quickly risen to the top of Milan’s wishlist in defence, and the negotiations followed suit. Personal terms have already been agreed, and whilst there have been some issues with the negotiations between the clubs, the paper suggests that a deal could be closed ‘in the next few hours’, with the two clubs at their closest, and a deal will cost in the region of €20 million.
Joining the Rossoneri would see Pavlovic’s wage double to €1.5m net per season, and he ticks all the boxes on the pitch. An aggressive defender, blessed with physicality and pace, who will also bless Paulo Fonseca’s defence with his left-footedness.
A Brazilian push
Earlier this month, it was reported that negotiations between Tottenham Hotspur and Milan had gone cold, but it seems they are being defrosted, and as Gazzetta suggests, the deal has started to move forward again in recent days to a point where ‘the finish line is not far away’.
Only the final obstacles must be overcome, and then the Rossoneri will have a new right-back for €15m. It has been a rough few seasons for the Brazilian, but a move to San Siro is a chance to relaunch his career.
I’d rather bring back Raul Bellanova than have this guy
No Acmilan should do everything and sign Pavlovic